The Nation's First Woman Prime Minister: A Historic Moment with Caveats

For many female youth in Japan currently, the sight of Sanae Takaichi assuming leadership as the nation's first ever woman prime minister is impactful and formative.

This signifies a patriarchal society and a government structure that has long been dominated by men is currently headed by a female.

But while the optics speak of a forward-thinking era, certain females don't see her as an advocate for change.

It was rather interesting to see how individuals outside Japan have reacted to the announcement,” a 21-year-old says.

“Everyone's like, ‘wow, she's the first female prime minister in the nation's past and that would be a significant chance for women empowerment and gender equality in Japan’.

“I think that's a rather simplistic interpretation.”

Conversely, the young woman highlights her “ideological stance and what she stands for,” noting: “She reinforces the male-dominated structure.”

A strong admirer of Britain's first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi has always wanted to be the “Steel Magnolia” of her nation.

And like Thatcher, Takaichi is a staunch conservative.

Analysts note her leadership is a tactical move from the ruling LDP to attract the more conservative base which had lately shifted towards Japan's parties further to the right.

The leader is against marriage equality and has long stood against laws that would permit spouses to have different last names, blocking many females from retaining their maiden names.

She's also opposed to females being in eligible for the throne in the imperial family.

Nonetheless, she did soften certain her statements during her election bid – saying she favours giving financial benefits to businesses that provide daycare services to their employees and spoke of possible deductions for households spending on child-rearing.

But she has over the years backed the notion of a conventional role for women in society and in the family.

Regarding women's issues, Takaichi is aligned with her country's less than impressive record on equality concerns.

Japan's Inequality in Perspective

Women in Japan are among the best educated and most skilled in the world and yet they face challenges with the expectations of a traditional culture that still directs them into conventional positions.

According to the 2025 equality ranking by the global organization, Japan placed 118th among nearly 150 countries, with women's presence in the field of politics particularly minimal.

Top roles have historically been held by males and Japan has struggled to increase the quantity of women legislators and corporate executives.

The globally fourth biggest economy ranks last among the G7 countries when it comes to the percentage of women in its national parliament. In detail, women make up about less than 16% of legislators in Japan, the smallest proportion among the G7.

Progress is also sluggish when it comes to women's reproductive health: only this week was it announced that the “morning after” pill – a type of post-coital birth control sold over the counter in more than 90 nations – had finally been approved for non-prescription sales in Japan.

Mixed Reactions to the Landmark Leadership

Nonetheless, some see Takaichi's ascent as a critical juncture that could change how females view their prospects.

“There is great significance in Ms Takaichi becoming prime minister, with a broader impact on society,” a former mayor – who was elected as the nation's youngest female mayor in 2012 – told local media.

She contended Japan electing a female prime minister will “reduce psychological barriers” for women and girls, enabling them to believe it is normal to “stand out” as leaders in businesses and the community, despite biased expectations and expectations still remain.

But a 20-year-old points out that, while it is notable Japan has its first female prime minister, it is important to recall it required her more than 30 years to reach that office.

“She's also not really going against the grain. She expresses the same thing as the men.”

The young woman adds that she shouldn't be put on a platform simply because she is a female.

“It is essential to ensure we're discussing her agenda. We need to be able to criticise her fairly as everyone else.”

Political Background and Influences

It is not only what Takaichi has stated which has caused individuals to describe her as a defender of the male-dominated system.

Additionally, it is apparent by who her supporters inside the party have were.

She was mentored of the late ex- conservative prime minister Shinzo Abe, and was backed in the party vote by a senior politician – a prominent member in the ruling party at the leadership of one of the ruling party's most influential right-wing factions.

His faction's backing for Sanae Takaichi was pivotal in consolidating the conservative wing in her favor.

“I do feel that it is difficult for females to somewhat relate to her achievement because it furthers this notion that we must be compliant with the status quo,” young adult Minori Konishi remarks.

The 21-year-old agrees, saying that with her as a symbol for women in government, “the public are likely to anticipate the identical from women as well”.

“They will demand women to be compliant, not go against the beliefs that they have, and it might make our job harder.”

Future Challenges and Expectations

Making history, though, was just the first of the challenges Takaichi will encounter – not least addressing a slow growth and inflation and regaining the confidence of a frustrated and angry electorate, as well as hosting president Trump within days of taking power.

It's safe to say that no-one expects gender equality issues to be a top priority on her priority list.